Trombone Care and Maintenance

Supplies needed to care for the trombone:

1. Slide oil or cream

2. Slide grease

3. Mouthpiece brush

4. Soft cloth

5. Snake brush

6. Cleaning rod and cheesecloth

7. Spray bottle filled with distilled water

Before you play:

There is very little to assemble on a trombone.  All you have to do is place the mouthpiece into the lead pipe.  Do this with a gentle twisting motion.  Do not hit or pop the mouthpiece into place.  This can lead to a stuck mouthpiece.  When attaching the slide to the bell section, make sure you don't move the bell section too close to the slide.  You need room for your hand to move and prevent the bell from hitting the slide, which can result in a dent.  Always leave the slide locked when you put the horn down or in its case!

Proper cleaning and lubrication of the main slide is essential to the playing of the trombone.  Each time you play, clean the outer slide using a cleaning rod wrapped in cheesecloth.  Wipe off the inner slide and apply either slide oil or cream to each of the tubes.  If slide cream is used, use only a small amount.  Melt it between your fingers.  Put it mostly on the stockings (the bottom ends).  Put the outer slide on and work it in.  Remove any excess.  Spray the slide with distilled water from a spray bottle.  Spray the slide often during your practice or rehearsal.

Tuning and playing:

To lower the pitch of the trombone, lengthen the instrument by pulling the tuning slide out.  To raise the pitch, push the tuning slide in.  Individual notes on the trombone can be tuned using quick adjustments on the main slide.

The moisture that accumulates inside the trombone is not "spit."  It is condensation from the player's breath--just like the moisture from a steaming kettle that condenses on windows.  When this moisture accumulates inside the trombone, it makes it gurgle and needs to be released through the water key or spit valve.  Open the water key and blow air (don't buzz) into the instrument.  Empty your water key into the trash can or onto the floor, not on your chair or onto your neighbor's shoe!

If your mouthpiece gets stuck while you are playing, do not attempt to remove it yourself or have anyone yank it out for you.  Forcibly removing a stuck mouthpiece can break the braces on a trombone.  Carry the trombone to your teacher (it will not fit into your case) and she will remove it with a tool made especially for pulling mouthpieces.  To prevent stuck mouthpieces, always insert the mouthpiece gently, don't pop the mouthpiece during rehearsal, and don't use too much pressure when you play.

After playing, remove finger marks with a soft cloth.  This will remove perspiration which can damage the lacquer and metal.  Do not use polish on lacquered instruments because it can scratch the finish.

Regular Maintenance:

A clean trombone works and sounds better than a dirty one.  Once a week clean the mouthpiece with warm water and a mouthpiece brush.  Help keep the mouthpiece and instrument clean by avoiding gum, candy, and sugary drinks before playing.  Rinse your mouth before playing if you have been eating or drinking something sweet.

Once a month give your trombone a bath.  Take the trombone completely apart.  Soak all the parts in warm (not hot), mild soapy water.  Run a snake brush or cleaning rod through all the tubing.  Rinse all the parts in clean, lukewarm water.  Don't leave the trombone in the water too long or the lacquer finish can peel off.

Handling the trombone:

The trombone will dent easily.  Dents look ugly, affect the tone of the instrument, and are expensive to remove.  Dents in the main slide are a trombonist's nightmare.  Smooth slide action is absolutely essential to good trombone playing.  Even a small dent in the main slide will hamper the slide action.

Misusing your trombone slide to poke people or leaning on the slide when it is resting on the floor is asking for dents.  Always remember to lock your slide when you are not using it.  Always put the trombone into its case correctly.  Do not cram music or books into your case because the pressure on the tubing can cause damage.  Be sure the mouthpiece and other accessories are put away correctly so that they do not jar loose and cause damage.  Remember that the trombone is an expensive instrument--not a toy--and should be handled with care.